While the takeoff offers Baltic Sea views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more visually distinctive and varied scenery—the Vistula River, Kraków's urban landscape, and distant Tatra Mountains create a more compelling overall experience than the relatively uniform Finnish coastline at departure.
Flight Path
Baltic Sea crossing, transition over Lithuania and Belarus airspace, Narew River valley in northeastern Poland, Vistula River system in central Poland, approach to the Carpathian foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Baltic Sea coastline and the Finnish archipelago as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The right side faces inland toward forested terrain with minimal visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at KRK
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Vistula River valley and the approach to Kraków from the north. As the aircraft descends toward Balice Airport, the right side reveals the river's meandering path through the Polish plains and the urban sprawl of Kraków itself. The left side faces toward the Carpathian foothills but offers less distinctive urban landmarks during final approach.
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Krakow. While the takeoff offers Baltic Sea views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more visually distinctive and varied scenery—the Vistula River, Kraków's urban landscape, and distant Tatra Mountains create a more compelling overall experience than the relatively uniform Finnish coastline at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Baltic Sea coastline and the Finnish archipelago as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The right side faces inland toward forested terrain with minimal visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Baltic Sea, Finnish archipelago (Åland Islands region to the southwest), Gulf of Finland coastline, forested interior plains.
What can I see when landing at Balice Jp Ii International Airport in Krakow?
When landing at Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Vistula River valley and the approach to Kraków from the north. As the aircraft descends toward Balice Airport, the right side reveals the river's meandering path through the Polish plains and the urban sprawl of Kraków itself. The left side faces toward the Carpathian foothills but offers less distinctive urban landmarks during final approach. Notable sights include: Vistula River and its valley, Kraków urban area and Old Town district, Tatra Mountains (distant southern horizon), Polish plains and agricultural landscape.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Krakow?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Helsinki to Krakow flight path pass over?
Baltic Sea crossing, transition over Lithuania and Belarus airspace, Narew River valley in northeastern Poland, Vistula River system in central Poland, approach to the Carpathian foothills